Export thread

I have two handheld blowers, Echo PB-250LN and Hitachi RB24EAP, that I want to adjust the idle rpm to manufacturer specs. I'd like to buy a suitable tachometer, and wondered what type and brand you would recommend. Can I use a non-contact laser type and get the reading off the fan or do I need to use a wired type between the spark plug and plug wire ?

For these type of units I use a Fast-Tach like the first one on this web site. A bit pricey, but if you search around you may find it cheaper. Works on all type of small engines.

Design Technology, Inc., Home of the Tiny-Tach - More Tachometers

Rivets said:

For these type of units I use a Fast-Tach like the first one on this web site. A bit pricey, but if you search around you may find it cheaper. Works on all type of small engines.

Design Technology, Inc., Home of the Tiny-Tach - More Tachometers

Click to expand...

Thanks. Just ordered one from that website. Checked around, but couldn't find it cheaper elsewhere or locally. I see it works on a magnetic field rather than optical principle, so there is no need to read off the fan or other rotating part. Perfect ! :thumbsup:

Update on 2/11/2013 - Just received the Fast-Tach today from Design Technology, Inc. and tried it out on my Hitachi and Echo blowers to adjust the idle speed. It's setup by default from the factory for a single cylinder two-cycle engine and you simply point it at the spark plug to get the reading. It can be easily setup for 4-cycle and multi-cylinder engines. It also records the maximum RPM, which can be reset. The total cost with UPS shipping was $96.20.

Thanks for the update...... did you use it?? How about a video?

HarryHarley said:

Thanks for the update...... did you use it?? How about a video?

Click to expand...

Yes, I used it. I'm sorry, but I'm not equipped to make a video.

So easy to use you don't need a video. Just start the unit, point the tach at the spark plug boot and read the display. No one makes a simpler unit. The only reason I don't use it all the time is as an old fart I can't give up my VibraTach. Tough to break the habit.

Rivets said:

So easy to use you don't need a video. Just start the unit, point the tach at the spark plug boot and read the display. No one makes a simpler unit. The only reason I don't use it all the time is as an old fart I can't give up my VibraTach. Tough to break the habit.

Click to expand...

Did you notice the mistake they made on the label on the back of the unit ? They've got 720 = Two sparks per revolution and 180 = One spark every two revolutions, which is backwards. They do have it correct on the green printed instruction sheet, however.

Can't read anything on the back, but mine is 10 plus years old. Everyone in the shop uses it regularly, but me.

Not a video, but here's a photo.

Thanks... that's cool. So, you just point that "arrow' at the spark plug? How far away can you be before you
are out of range?

HarryHarley said:

Thanks... that's cool. So, you just point that "arrow' at the spark plug? How far away can you be before you
are out of range?

Click to expand...

Well, the manufacturer says between 4 and 15 inches, but I found that I had to be pretty close to get a reading, 4 inches or less. Maybe mine has a weak battery.

Oh, forgot to ask. Does it work on diesel engines? If so, where do you point it?

HarryHarley said:

Oh, forgot to ask. Does it work on diesel engines? If so, where do you point it?

Click to expand...

No, it only works on gas engines. They do make a tach that will work on diesel engines, but it is not wireless.